Eisenhower’s Background and 1952 Election Victory

Question 1

When did Eisenhower become president?

Answer 1

Eisenhower, a Republican, won the 1952 presidential election against Democrat Adlai Stevenson.

Question 2

What did Eisenhower’s campaign focus on?

Answer 2

• ‘Korea, Communism, and Corruption’—he promised to end the Korean War, combat communism, and clean up government corruption.
• His image as a war hero (Supreme Allied Commander in WWII and supreme commander of NATO).
• Criticism of the Truman administration for the Korean War and McCarthyism.
• Support from business elites and suburban middle-class voters.

Question 3

Who was Eisenhower’s running mate and why?

Answer 3

Richard Nixon helped appeal to the conservative wing of the Republican Party.

Question 4

By how much did IKE win the election?

Answer 4

He won 55% of the popular vote and 442 electoral votes.

Question 5

What was IKE’s political background?

Answer 5

• Had never voted until 1948
• Truman tried to get him to become a Democrat candidate (in 47 and 51)
• General George Pattison: ‘Ike wants to be president so badly you can taste it.’

Question 6

What were is political views?

Answer 6

• Favoured state’s rights over Federal activism
• He aimed to balance the Federal budget- HT’s budget had a $14 billion deficit
• Focused on foreign policy (against isolationism)